Refacing kitchen cabinets is considered the next best thing to replacement. Replacement costs can sometimes be high and if you don’t have that kind of money lying around, you should consider refacing as a real option. Although the concept might be a little superficial, it can deliver excellent results for your decor as well as give your kitchen cabinetry a much needed revamp.
But what do we mean when we talk about refacing? Refacing kitchen cabinetry refers to the process of covering up the exposed frames using a thin veneer, plastic laminate, and in some cases real wood. The doors will also be replaced in order to match the new veneer. The transformation is completed by adding new pulls, knobs, molding, and hinges.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cabinet Refacing
Refacing will offer a wide range of benefits but it also comes with a few drawbacks. Let’s begin with the benefits:
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First, refacing will save you a lot of money. In fact, refacing costs about half the total amount that would normally be needed to replace the cabinets.
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You will save time. Refacing takes a week or less while cabinet replacement will take more than that.
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You don’t need to move out of the kitchen to give way for the project. Refacing can be done as you continue to use the kitchen as normal.
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If you are conscious about the environment, you will also be happy to know that refacing is a greener way of giving your cabinetry a lift compared to full replacement.
Despite these great benefits, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. To begin with, refacing will not fix a bad kitchen design. You can try to cover flawed cabinets as much as you can but the imperfections will always be visible. It’s also tempting to spend more money on exotic and flashy veneer and other hardware. In the end, this will cost you more money than required.
What Are Your Options?
Refacing options are endless. This is because the veneers used are always available in a huge variety of colors, textures, patterns, grains, designs, and more.
Here are some options to consider:
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Real Wood Veneers - Real wood veneers are indeed very popular. They feature a variety of standard pieces including oak, maple, cherry, and others. Stain colors are also available in diverse varieties too.
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Plastic Laminate - Plastic laminate offers the biggest diversity with its hundreds of colors. It’s highly durable too and very moisture resistant. The cost of plastic laminate is also very affordable.
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Rigid Thermofoil - This material comes with a highly durable plastic coating that is neatly placed over fiberboard. It’s a great alternative to wood, especially for people who want to save on the costs.
The Cost of Refacing
Even though refacing offers an affordable alternative to give your kitchen a revamp, it still requires some spending. So, how much money would you need for this?
Well, it will depend on the size of the kitchen and the type of material you are using. For instance, a typical 10x12 feet kitchen will cost between $1,000 and $3,000 to reface if you decide to use laminate. In case you want to use real wood, the cost goes higher. The same kitchen will need between $2,500 and $6,000 to reface.
You will also need some hardware to finish up the design. We are talking about knobs, hinges, and pulls. Each piece will cost between $2 and $4 but higher end options may cost between $20 and $50.
Refacing is a great way of saving money while still giving your kitchen a facelift. Request a free quote to kickstart your project!
